More specifically, equitation may refer to a rider's position while mounted, and encompass a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In horse show competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated.. Judging criteria covers the rider's performance and control of the horse, use of riding aids, proper attire, correct form, and usually factor in rider poise and the cleanliness and polish of horse, rider and equipment. The performance of the horse is not judged per se, but a poorly performing horse is considered to reflect the ability of the rider. A good equitation rider is always in balance with the horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, movement, or over a fence, and possesses a commanding, but relaxed, presence, able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids.

Hogany Tops Farm is now located at Sugar Grove Farm in Italy, TX, the best kept secret in DFW! Sugar Grove sits in a serene escape with all of the amenities you and your horse could want. Not only does your horse receive top care and management, the boarder experience is also the best! Whether you are looking for a new or improved facility, check out Sugar Grove Farm for a superior boarding environment, lessons and training.Hogany Tops Farm is a hunter jumper training and lesson barn dedicated to establishing superior horsemanship with physically fit, willing and content, well trained horses and riders. Accordingly, a consistent training routine and at least a minimum lesson program are pertinent to accomplish this goal. Training and instruction, specializing in hunters, jumpers and equitation are designed with the horse and rider in mind and customized to fit each one’s individual abilities and objectives to reach their full potential, focusing on correct equitation in the jumpers as well as the hunters. When asked, “Do you teach dressage”? I like to quote my sister’s reply, “All good riding is based on dressage as a foundation. Hours spent on the flat ultimately produce a fluid ride over fences in the hunters and an accurate and powerful ride occurring in a timely fashion in the jumpers.All levels of riders, beginner through advanced are welcome in our lesson program and we have wonderful lesson horses for those who do not have one! HTF provides the opportunity to horse show at both local and national competitions. Hogany Tops Farm offers quality horses and ponies for sale or lease.Hogany Tops Farm originated in Macon, Georgia in 1985 and has been in continual operation since that date. The business is owned and operated by Jo Beard, who was born, raised and educated in Virginia. Her love for and association with horses began at an early age, in the family barn, which at the age of eight led her to horse shows and fox hunts with her father. Her journey with horses continued to the professional level when at the age of 18 she was schooling, training, and showing horses and ponies and catch-riding at horse shows. Her professional focus centered on hunters and jumpers and as she developed her own riding skills, she became involved in the sport of steeplechase racing and took that to a highly successful professional level as one of two licensed female steeplechase jockeys in the United States. She has subsequently trained and owned hundreds of show horses and has consistently been successfully involved in both local and national horse show competition. Today, her focus is on the interest of her clients and their goals and aspirations. She has the experience (over 40 years of teaching all levels), skills and patience to take them where they want to go. Jo’s extensive experience in the industry has created a wide network of friends and professional associates nationwide. Referrals will be gladly given upon request.Visitors are always welcome! Please feel free to call for information, rates and available packages and visit/like our Facebook page at Hogany Tops Farm and our websitewww.hoganytopsfarm.com to catch up with our activities!!

Services and Distinctions:*Quality facility with meticulous care open 7 days a week*Boarding packages run from premiere full care to basic*Stalls cleaned daily*Pastures with run –in sheds* 100’ X 200’ covered arena*60’ covered round pen*Large outdoor arena*Trails*Hot and cold water in wash racks*Washer/dryer*Daily turnout weather permitting*Worming program*Handling for routine vet and farrier appointments*Winter blankets/summer fly sheets on and off (client supplies)*Feed supplements given (client supplies)*Owner and caretaker live onsite*Fans

Full service boarding is available, along with our riding lesson program, horses and ponies in training, and upcoming winter, spring and summer camps. We offer the opportunity for clients to participate in local and nationally rated horse shows. We are delighted with our new home and look forward to sharing it with you! If you are interested in a quality facility for boarding, training, or lessons, give us a call at (404)425-2599 or email at hoganytopsfarm@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you! Jo Beard

Winner's Circle

THEN

NOW

Sami on Stormy

Sami on Boogie - 4 years later!

Congratulations to Lukie for riding on his own!! ... and thank you Mikie!!!

Congratulations to Lukie...7 years later for becoming an awesome pony jock!

Please click on the link below to visit our Facebook Fan Page and see what is going on and visit our Horses for Sale link there!

ENJOY!

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HUNTERS AND JUMPERSHunt seat is a style of forward seat riding commonly found in North American horse shows. Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting. Hunt seat competition in North America includes both flat and over fences for show hunters, which judge the horse's movement and form, and equitation classes, which judge the rider's ability both on the flat and over fences. The term hunt seat may also refer to any form of forward seat riding, including the kind seen in show jumping and eventing. Hunt seat is a popular form of riding in the United States, recognized by the USHJA (United States Hunter/Jumper Association) and the United States Equestrian Federation, and in Canada. While hunt seat showing per se is not an Olympic discipline, many show jumping competitors began by riding in hunter and equitation classes before moving into the jumper divisions.

People unfamiliar with horse shows may be confused by the difference between hunter classes and jumper classes. Hunters are judged subjectively on the degree to which they meet an ideal standard of manners, style, and way of going. Conversely, jumper classes are scored objectively, based entirely on a numerical score determined only by whether the horse attempts the obstacle, clears it, and finishes the course in the allotted time. Jumper courses often are colorful, and at times, quite creatively designed. Jumper courses tend to be much more complex and technical than hunter courses, because riders and horses are not being judged on style. Hunters have meticulous turnout and tend toward very quiet, conservative horse tack and rider attire. Hunter bits, bridles, crops, spurs, and martingales are tightly regulated. Jumpers, while caring for their horses and grooming them well, are not scored on turnout, are allowed a wider range of equipment, and riders may wear less conservative attire, so long as it stays within the rules. Formal turnout always is preferred; however, a neat rider gives a good impression at shows.In addition to hunters and jumpers, there are equitation classes, sometimes called hunt seat equitation, which judges the ability of the rider. The equipment, clothing, and fence styles used in equitation more closely resemble hunter classes, although the technical difficulty of the courses may more closely resemble jumping events.